CN111886373A

CN111886373A - Automatic quantitative charging storage device for washing machine

Info

Publication number: CN111886373A
Application number: CN201980020815.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: D·J·库克; D·穆尔菲尔德; K·J·肖
Original assignee: Unilever NV
Current assignee: Unilever IP Holdings BV
Priority date: 2018-02-26
Filing date: 2019-02-21
Publication date: 2020-11-03
Anticipated expiration: 2039-02-21
Also published as: EP3759273A1; ZA202004356B; EP3759273B1; CN111771023A; CN111771023B; US20200378049A1; CN111886373B; WO2019162407A1; BR112020016819A2

Abstract

An automatic dosing reservoir may be connected to the washing machine. The reservoir includes one or more internal storage chambers for storing one or more laundry products. The reservoir also includes one or more sensors for sensing one or more properties associated with the internal storage chamber and/or the contents stored therein. The data communicator provides communication of sensed data related to the one or more sensed properties to a remote device. A connector couples the reservoir to the washing machine, through which the reservoir can be fluidly and controllably connected to the washing machine.

Description

Automatic quantitative charging storage device for washing machine

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a reservoir for automatically dosing laundry product for supply to a washing machine appliance.

Background

Automatic dosing washing machines incorporating multi-dose reservoirs are known. Such machines dispense measured doses of laundry composition automatically and can be run through multiple washes. This may save time for the consumer and improve dosing accuracy.

There is a further development in the field of "smart" machines that connect to the "internet of things" (IoT) through embedded electronics and network connections to enable the collection and exchange of data. Such systems can provide enhanced functionality and performance during the washing process and upon replenishment of laundry items.

While automated dosing offers a great potential advantage to consumers, in most cases, the reservoir/removable cartridge may be machine specific. Thus, consumers who select an automatic dosing machine, which may be expensive, may face few options in laundry products if they want to enjoy the full benefits of the automatic dosing machine.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a reservoir for a washing machine which may provide some or all of the advantages of an automatic dosing machine as described above, but may provide improved functionality and/or greater autonomy in selecting laundry products, and may also not be limited to a particular type, model or brand of washing machine.

According to one aspect, the present invention provides a reservoir connectable to a washing machine, wherein the reservoir comprises an internal storage chamber for storing one or more laundry products, the reservoir further comprising:

(a) a sensor for sensing one or more properties associated with the internal storage chamber and/or the contents stored therein,

(b) a data communicator for transmitting sensed data related to the one or more sensed properties to a remote device; and

(c) a connector configured for coupling the reservoir with a washing machine, through which the reservoir can be fluidly and controllably connected to the washing machine, wherein

The data communicator is configured for wireless communication with a remote device external to the laundry machine, such that sensed data can be displayed on the remote device.

By means of the inventive arrangement, a user can monitor and react to data about the state of the reservoir without having to physically touch the machine or even in the same room or in the same building. This provides greater freedom for the user to manage laundry.

The reservoir may further comprise at least one laundry composition stored within the internal storage chamber. The sensor may be configured to sense one or more of: (i) a fill level of the laundry product in the internal storage compartment; (ii) mass of laundry product contents in the internal storage compartment; (iii) the flow rate of laundry product contents from the internal storage chamber; (iv) the presence of the laundry product contents within the internal storage chamber; (v) the chemical composition or chemical nature of the laundry product in the reservoir; (vi) physical properties of the laundry product in the reservoir. The reservoir may be user-removable from a port or surface of the washing machine. Generally, a washing machine is configured to contain a pump, electronics, within a housing. In this case, "outside" means the outside of such a housing so that a consumer does not need to touch the internal components of the washing machine. The port/surface may be contained within a recess of the washing machine housing. The reservoir may also comprise a plurality of internal storage chambers, each for storing a laundry product. Each internal storage compartment may be configured to receive a plug-in laundry product cartridge and to be able to release the contents thereof to the connector. Alternatively or additionally, one or more storage compartments may be provided by a plug-in cartridge.

As used herein, "remote" means external to the washing machine, rather than physically part of/connected to the washing machine. Thus, the data communicator preferably communicates wirelessly with a remote device external to the washing machine. The data communicator may communicate directly with the remote device without the data passing through a communication channel or control device within the washing machine. The data communicator may interface with a user personal computing device to enable display of sensed data. The data communicator may interface with an application on a user smartphone or tablet. The data communicator may interface with a smartphone or tablet application to enable display of a graphical user interface indicating a reservoir status.

The connector may include a mechanical interface that integrates at least one flow channel for providing flow of fluid or flowable solids from the internal storage chamber to a dispensing unit in the washing machine. The connector may further comprise a valve mechanism for closing the flow passage when the reservoir is removed from the washing machine. The connector may comprise a mechanical interface incorporating at least one flow channel for providing flow of fluid or flowable solids from the internal storage chamber to a dispensing unit in the laundry machine, and may comprise a flow control element for effecting or driving release of laundry product from the internal storage chamber into the at least one flow channel. The connector may further comprise an exchangeable adaptor or set of adaptors configured to enable engagement of the reservoir with the washing machine to have different interfaces.

The data communicator may also include a controller configured to instruct the flow control element to release the laundry product. The data communicator may be configured to receive an indication of release of the laundry product from a remote device external to the laundry machine.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a connector for connecting a laundry product reservoir to a washing machine, the laundry product reservoir comprising an internal storage chamber for storing one or more laundry products, the connector comprising:

(a) a sensor for sensing one or more properties associated with the internal storage chamber and/or the contents stored therein;

(c) an interface configured to engage the connector with both the reservoir and the washing machine, through which the reservoir may be fluidly and controllably connected to the washing machine, wherein the data communicator is configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote device external to the washing machine and display sensed data thereon.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a washing machine incorporating the reservoir and/or connector described above.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a dosing system for delivering laundry product to a washing machine, the dosing system comprising a reservoir as defined above and a remote computing device connectable to the reservoir via a telecommunications channel. The remote computing device may be configured to monitor usage of laundry product in or dispensed from the reservoir to an associated washing machine and/or control usage or flow of laundry product dispensed from the reservoir to an associated washing machine. The remote computing device may be configured to implement supplemental functionality to supply a replacement cartridge or refill container for refilling the reservoir. The supplemental functionality may be implemented at least in part on the user remote device and the third party remote device. The remote computing device may implement a pay-as-you-go authorization function to enable the reservoir to perform a dispensing action to dispense a specified amount or dose of laundry product from the reservoir into the connected laundry machine.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a method of dispensing a laundry product into a washing machine, comprising the steps of:

connecting the reservoir to a washing machine by a connector, wherein the reservoir comprises an internal storage chamber for storing one or more laundry products, and the connector couples the reservoir to the washing machine to enable fluidic and controllable connection of the reservoir to the washing machine;

dispensing laundry product from the internal storage chamber to the washing machine;

sensing one or more properties associated with the internal storage chamber and/or contents stored therein;

sensed data relating to the one or more sensed properties is wirelessly transmitted to a remote device and engaged with the remote device to display the sensed data on the remote device.

Sensing one or more properties may include sensing one or more of: (i) a fill level of the laundry product in the internal storage compartment; (ii) the quality of the laundry product contents in the internal storage compartment; (iii) the flow rate of laundry product contents from the internal storage chamber; (iv) the presence of the laundry product contents within the internal storage chamber; (v) the chemical composition or chemical nature of the laundry product in the reservoir; (vi) physical properties of the laundry product in the reservoir. The method may further comprise configuring the reservoir to be user-removable from an external port or surface of the washing machine for refilling the reservoir. Dispensing laundry products may include dispensing a plurality of laundry products from a plurality of internal storage chambers of a reservoir. Each internal storage chamber may be configured to receive a plug-in laundry product cartridge and enable the contents thereof to be released to the connector, thereby enabling the reservoir to be refilled by inserting one or more replacement laundry product cartridges.

The communication with the remote device may be by wireless communication with a remote device external to the washing machine without the need for data to pass through a communication channel or control device within the washing machine. Communicating with the remote device may include interfacing with the user's personal computing device to enable display of sensed data thereon, and may include interfacing with an application on the user's smartphone or tablet. The method may further include displaying a graphical user interface on the user's personal computing device indicating the reservoir status.

The connector may include a mechanical interface incorporating at least one flow channel for providing flow of the fluid or flowable solid from the internal storage chamber to a dispensing unit in the washing machine, the method further comprising deploying a valve mechanism to close the flow channel when the reservoir is detached from the washing machine. The connector may comprise a mechanical interface incorporating at least one flow channel for providing flow of fluid or flowable solids from the internal storage chamber to a dispensing unit in the laundry machine, the method further comprising deploying a flow control element to effect or drive release of laundry product from the internal storage chamber into the at least one flow channel.

The method may further comprise using an interchangeable adaptor or set of adaptors to enable engagement of the reservoir with the washing machine to have different interfaces. The method may further include instructing the flow control element to release the laundry product from a remote device external to the laundry machine.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a method of delivering laundry product to a washing machine, the method comprising: coupling a reservoir as described above to a washing machine; a remote computing device is connected to the reservoir through a telecommunications channel, and usage of laundry product in or dispensed from the reservoir to the washing machine is monitored at the remote computing device to control usage or flow of laundry product dispensed from the reservoir to the washing machine.

Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a laundry product reservoir suitable for connection to a washing machine;

fig. 2 shows a schematic internal layout of components of the laundry product reservoir of fig. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic functional block diagram of components of a laundry product dosing system;

figure 4 shows a schematic of an adapter configured for use between a washing machine and a laundry product reservoir.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1, a laundry product reservoir 1 is preferably contained within a housing 2 to enable the reservoir 1 to function as a stand-alone structure for connection to and disconnection from a laundry machine (not shown). In the configuration shown in fig. 1, the reservoir 1 may form a "drawer" type unit which may be inserted into or withdrawn from a suitable receiving hole of the laundry machine in order to enable connection and disconnection with the laundry machine. A recessed or other handle 3 may be provided to assist user attachment and detachment.

Within the housing 2 of the reservoir 1 there is a plurality of

internal storage chambers

4a, 4b, 4c, each configured to store one or more

respective laundry products

5a, 5b, 5 c. In this example, three internal storage chambers are shown, but one or more internal storage chambers may be provided. The

laundry products

5a, 5b, 5c may each be any suitable product or composition for assisting a laundry process, which may include, inter alia, washing powder or liquor, surfactants, enzymes, bleaches, alkaline ingredients, fabric conditioners, water softeners and the like.

Each

internal storage chamber

4a, 4b, 4c (collectively labeled "4") is provided with an

opening

6a, 6b, 6c (collectively labeled "6") through which the

respective storage chamber

4a, 4b, 4c can be refilled with

laundry product

5a, 5b, 5c (collectively labeled "5"). The opening 6 may be closable with a removable cap, lid or other closure means. For an internal storage chamber 4 that can be directly filled with laundry product material (e.g., a fluid or flowable solid, such as a powder), the opening 6 can have any one or more dimensions suitable for a user to refill the storage chamber 4 with product. The reservoir 1 may alternatively be configured such that some or all of the

internal storage compartments

4a, 4b, 4c may receive a plug-in laundry product cartridge (not shown) which, once installed into the respective storage compartment, may release its contents to the laundry washing machine through the reservoir 1.

Each

internal storage chamber

4a, 4b, 4c has associated therewith one or

more sensors

7a, 7b, 7c (collectively referenced as 7), each sensor typically configured to sense one or more properties associated with the respective

internal storage chamber

4a, 4b, 4c, the expression including the property associated with the product contents of the internal storage chamber. For example, the sensor 7 may be configured to sense one or more of: (i) the fill level of laundry product remaining in the internal storage compartment 4 (this expression may include the fill level of any plug-in laundry product cartridge product 5 within the internal storage compartment); (ii) the quality of the stored laundry product contents; (iii) the flow rate or other flow characteristics of the laundry product 5 from the storage chamber 4 or from the reservoir 1; (iv) the presence of any stored contents within the reservoir 1. Many other properties may be sensed. These may include the nature, chemical composition, age or quality (quality) of the laundry product composition within the internal storage compartment 4, the source or brand of the chemical composition, or generally any physical or chemical property of the laundry product 5, or the lack of volume (ullage) or steam/gas in any headspace above the laundry product, etc.

The sensor 7 may be configured to sense these properties directly, for example by detecting physical and/or chemical properties directly, or by indirect sensing, for example reading a bar code or other product identifier on a plug-in laundry product cartridge mounted in the

internal storage compartment

4a, 4b, 4c, or by reading/engaging a sensor mounted within the plug-in laundry product cartridge itself.

Thus, the sensor 7 may generally be active or passive for qualitative and/or quantitative sensing of mechanical, electrical, physical and/or chemical properties, which is transmitted as a control signal.

The reservoir 1 may further comprise one or more

flow control elements

8a, 8b, 8c (collectively labelled "8"), e.g. valves, each configured to enable release of laundry product 5 from a respective

internal storage chamber

4a, 4b, 4c into a

flow channel

9a, 9b, 9c (collectively labelled "9"). Each flow channel 9 is configured to pass the released laundry product 5 to a connector 10, the connector 10 providing an interface with the laundry machine. The connector 10 may generally comprise a rear surface of the reservoir or a portion of the rear surface 11, although it will be appreciated that the connector 10 may be arranged on any suitable face of the housing 2, and may be distributed over multiple surfaces of the housing 2. The connector 10 may generally comprise a plurality of outlet pipes or conduits communicating with the

flow channels

9a, 9b, 9c to allow transfer of the laundry product 5 to the washing machine to which the reservoir 1 is coupled.

The connector 10 may further comprise an electronic and/or electromagnetic and/or magnetic control interface for enabling control signals to be transmitted between the washing machine and the reservoir 1.

The memory 1 comprises a data processor 12 and a data communicator/communication channel 13. The data processor 12 is configured to process data received from the sensor 7 for transmission to a remote device 20 via the data communicator 13. The data processor 12 may also perform control functions, such as providing control signals to the flow control element 8 on the control line 14 to effect release of the laundry product 5. These control functions may be instructed by data signals communicated from a remote device (e.g., remote device 20) to data processor 12 via data communicator 13.

Thus, in general, the connector 10 may comprise any mechanical interface integrating at least one

flow channel

9a, 9b, 9c providing a flow of fluid or flowable solids from any internal storage chamber 4 to a dispensing unit within the washing machine.

The connector 10 may also include a suitable flow control mechanism to prevent flow through one or more of the

flow channels

9a, 9b, 9c when the reservoir 1 is inactive, for example when it is not coupled to a washing machine or not in a dispensing mode, thereby preventing accidental flow (e.g. leakage or spillage) of the laundry product from the reservoir 1. The flow control mechanism may comprise a flow control element 8, such as an electronically controlled valve, but alternative and/or additional valves, flaps or other closure means may be used, such as mechanically actuated closure means which may be automatically opened when the reservoir 1 is connected to the washing machine and automatically closed when the reservoir 1 is disconnected from the washing machine.

The reservoir 1 may be configured to obtain power from any suitable source. In one arrangement, power may be sourced from the main washer to which it is connected (e.g., through connector 10). In another arrangement, the reservoir 1 may have an internal power source, such as a battery or a capacitor-based energy storage device, for providing power when power is not available from the main washer. The internal power source of the reservoir may be rechargeable so that it can be replenished when the reservoir 1 is connected to a washing machine or other power source. The internal power source may include a means for harvesting energy from an external source (e.g., a light source) or other electromagnetic energy source (e.g., RF energy).

The remote device 20 may interact with the reservoir 1 in a number of different ways.

In a first aspect, the remote device 20 may comprise a controller within the washing machine to which the reservoir 1 is connected. In this case, the remote device 20 may specifically control the

flow control elements

8a, 8b, 8c, for example by means of the data communicator 13, as part of a conventional washing program or washing cycle of the laundry washing machine.

In another aspect, and referring to FIG. 3, the remote device 20 may include a user-based resource 30 external to the washing machine 15 and separate from the washing machine 15. In one preferred configuration, the remote device 30 comprises a user's smartphone, tablet, or other personal computing device. The reservoir 1 communicates with a personal computing device 30 of the user via a data communicator 13 and preferably by direct communication. The expression "direct communication" is intended to include communication through a suitable wired or wireless network 31 (such as LAN, Wifi, bluetooth, mobile phone network, etc.) and preferably without intervention of the washing machine 15 to which the reservoir 1 is connected, for example without data passing through a communication channel or control means inside the washing machine 15.

In this case, a user of the laundry machine 15 to which the reservoir 1 may be connected may have installed on his personal computing device 30 a monitoring program or application 32, which monitoring program or application 32 typically enables the user to monitor data relating to the use of the reservoir and laundry product dispensed by the reservoir, independently of the laundry machine 15 to which the reservoir may be connected.

For example, the user may be enabled to view directly on the personal computing device 30 the usage of each laundry product 5, such as the amount used, the number of washes performed, the expected number of washes remaining for each laundry product or combination of products, alerts suggesting further purchase/restocking needs, and the like. These features may be provided within a graphical user interface supported by the personal computing device. The graphical user interface may display a schematic of the reservoir, its internal storage chamber and its status.

The user of the washing machine 15 may also install a control program or application 33 on his personal computing device 30, which control program or application 33 typically enables the user to control certain functions of the reservoir 1 independently of the washing machine 15 to which it is connected.

For example, a user may directly control the dispensing of selectable laundry products 5 or product combinations from the reservoir 1 in the washing machine 15 to which the reservoir is connected, for example before the start of a wash cycle or at selected times during the operation of a wash cycle. The laundry product 5 may thus be dispensed directly into the wash water stream within the washing machine 15 to form wash liquor, or into a chamber or duct through which the water then flows, or directly into the drum of the washing machine 15.

In another aspect, referring also to fig. 3, the remote device 20 may include or include a third party remote device 35 unrelated to both the user and the vendor/supplier/manufacturer/owner of the laundry machine 15. The remote device 35 may comprise a server of a laundry product manufacturer or retailer or service provider. The reservoir 1 communicates with a remote device of a third party via a data communicator 13 and preferably by direct communication. The expression "direct communication" is intended to include communication through a suitable wired or wireless network 31 (such as LAN, Wifi, bluetooth, mobile phone network, etc.) and preferably without intervention of the washing machine 15 to which the reservoir 1 is connected, for example without data passing through a communication channel or control means inside the washing machine 15.

The laundry product manufacturer/retailer/service provider may have installed on the server 35 a monitoring program or application 36 which monitoring program or application 36 typically enables the laundry product manufacturer/retailer/service provider to monitor data relating to the use of the reservoir 1 and the laundry products 5 dispensed from the reservoir independently of the laundry machine 15 to which the reservoir is connectable.

The remote device 35 may also have installed thereon a control program or application 37, which control program or application 37 enables the laundry product manufacturer/retailer/service provider to control certain functions of the reservoir 1 independently of the laundry machine 15 to which it is connected. Such functions may include laundry product composition management, formulation control, product mixing, usage levels, and the like. This may enable laundry product manufacturers/retailers/service providers to optimize the use of laundry products in different user contexts, for example, taking into account washing machine type, washing machine performance, type of laundry, user habits, geographical area of use, etc. Control based on the geographic area of use may advantageously take into account local water supply characteristics (e.g., water hardness or water treatment), local wastewater pollutant regulatory requirements, etc., and may thereby optimize the laundry product formulation for use in that particular environment.

The control program or application 37 may also be configured to implement authorization functions to enable the memory to perform dispensing actions. The server 35 may send an activation code to the reservoir 1 to enable dispensing of a specified quantity or dose of one or more laundry products 5 from the reservoir 1. The activation code may specify a particular laundry product or combination of products to be used in a particular washing program or cycle.

This feature may be used in conjunction with a payment authorization function, which may be based on a user account record maintained on the server 35. The user account record may run in conjunction with the user control application 33 on the user personal computing device 30 to approve pay-as-you-go payment for laundry product use, or the user account may be automatically charged by the server 35.

The reservoir 1 and the remote devices 30 and/or 35 may together constitute a dosing system for delivering laundry product to the washing machine 15, wherein the remote computing device is connected to the reservoir by a suitable telecommunications channel, configured to monitor the use of laundry product in the reservoir or dispensed from the reservoir to the associated washing machine 15 and/or to control the use or flow of laundry product dispensed from the reservoir to the associated washing machine 15. The telecommunications channel may comprise any of a LAN, WAN, Wifi, bluetooth or mobile phone network.

Accordingly, the user may effect monitoring of laundry product usage in the washing machine 15 and/or control of dispensing of laundry product to the washing machine 15 via the user device 30 and/or the third party server 35.

In this way, the reservoir may transmit an indication to the user remote device 30 and/or the third party remote device 35 that replenishment of one or more laundry products is required. This may be used to trigger automatic replenishment of a supply comprising one or more refill cartridges or refill containers for refilling the reservoir. Automatic replenishment may include an automatic process for triggering an order from a laundry product vendor.

In another configuration, the reservoir may be manufactured as a universal unit connectable to different washing machine types and/or different washing machine brands, which may each have a common interface or different interfaces. For the latter case, and referring to FIG. 4, the connector 10 may further include a detachable or reconfigurable interchangeable adaptor 40 or set of adaptors to facilitate connection to any particular type of washing machine interface 41.

Thus, the adapter 40 may be provided as a separate device 40, which device 40 may be coupled with a universal reservoir 42 to configure the reservoir 42 for a particular washing machine. A particular adapter 40 may be configured for compatibility with a particular washing machine or set of washing machines (e.g., a particular manufacturer, a particular country or region, or other type of washing machine). Alternatively, the adaptor 40 may be reconfigured by repositioning one or more movable parts of the adaptor 40 to make the reservoir connector 10 compatible with a particular washing machine or group of washing machines (e.g., a particular manufacturer, a particular country or region, or another category of washing machine).

A number of variations and modifications of the reservoirs 1, 42 exemplified above are possible.

The reservoir 1, 42 may comprise a multi-use refillable component as described above, wherein the internal storage chamber 4 may be refilled with a laundry product 5 or a laundry product cartridge. The reservoir may be configured such that the internal storage chamber may be refilled when the reservoir is detached from the washing machine, or the reservoir may be configured such that the internal storage chamber may be refilled when it is attached to the washing machine, for example through an access port in a visible surface of the reservoir housing when it is connected to or installed in the washing machine.

Alternatively, the reservoirs 1, 42 may be manufactured and sold as a single-use or limited-use FMCG article. In such a case, the number of components in the reservoir is desirably minimized and simplified. The expression "limited use" may include use that is only refillable a few times (e.g. less than 10 times), or use that is used for a much shorter time than the service life of the washing machine to which it is connected.

The reservoirs 1, 42 may generally be formed of any suitable material, such as plastic, metal, and other components. The reservoir 1, or at least a portion thereof, may be made transparent or translucent so as to enable viewing of at least the internal storage chamber 4 and the contents 5 therein (whether liquid or flowable solids) or a laundry product box or label thereof.

The reservoirs 1, 42 and more particularly the internal storage chamber 4 may comprise any suitable container for enclosing or retaining laundry products in liquid or flowable solid form (e.g. particulates, powder, granules etc.) and preferably have a capacity suitable for multiple wash cycles, for example <5000ml, <1000ml, <500ml or <250 ml.

The reservoir internal storage chamber 4 is preferably formed as a dimensionally stable container, e.g. with rigid walls, but may alternatively be formed as a flexible container, e.g. a pouch or bag, within the reservoir 1, 42 that expands when filled with laundry product and contracts with use of the product 5.

In the case of plug-in cartridges in which the internal storage compartment 4 is configured to receive the laundry product 5, these cartridges may be formed as dimensionally stable containers, e.g. with rigid walls, but may alternatively be formed as flexible containers, e.g. pouches or bags, which expand when filled with the laundry product and contract with use of the laundry product 5. Each plug-in cartridge may be secured within a respective internal storage compartment 4 such that the contents of the cartridge may be sealed by a valve, which may form part of the cartridge or the internal storage compartment 4 or a combination of both. The cartridge may include mating means configured to engage with complementary mating means on the internal storage chamber 4 such that the cartridge is securely retained when in place and laundry product within the reservoir cartridge is contained or released depending on whether the valve of the reservoir or the cartridge (or both) is in a closed state or an open state.

The flow control element 8 may be a simple on-off valve type device or may further comprise a variable flow control element capable of delivering a preset flow, a variable flow and/or a metered dose that can be delivered within a controlled or predetermined time interval. Thus, in general, the flow control elements 8 may each comprise any device capable of allowing a particular amount or flow rate of material to pass therethrough, and may generally be used to regulate the actual flow rate.

The sensor 7 may include any one or more suitable sensor types, such as a flow rate sensor, a flow meter, an infrared sensor, a brightness sensor, a temperature sensor, a motion sensor, an elongation sensor, a rotational speed sensor, a proximity sensor, a flow sensor, a color sensor, a gas sensor, a vibration sensor, a pressure sensor, a conductivity sensor, a turbidity sensor, an acoustic pressure sensor, a "lab-on-a-chip" sensor, a force sensor, an acceleration sensor, a tilt sensor, a pH sensor, a humidity sensor, a magnetic field sensor, an RFID sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a hall sensor, a biochip, an odor sensor, a hydrogen sulfide sensor, and/or a MEMS sensor, to perform the sensing function as described above.

Preferably, the reservoir 1, 42 is completely detachable by the user from the washing machine to which it is attachable, for example as a user-serviceable item of merchandise. Preferably, for connection to the washing machine, the reservoir may be received in a slot, aperture, frame (bay) or other type of external docking port in or on the washing machine housing, such that in use the reservoir is at least partially received within a suitable receiving aperture of the washing machine. The receiving aperture is preferably an external port of the washing machine, i.e. an aperture accessible from an external part or surface of the washing machine housing.

However, the reservoir 1, 42 may be integrated into a washing machine and provide the described functionality within the washing machine.

The flow control mechanism described above may be implemented in a variety of ways. The laundry product 5 may be delivered from the

internal storage chambers

4a, 4b, 4c by gravity flow or from a cartridge within the storage chamber under the control of a suitable flow valve (e.g.,

flow control element

8a, 8b, 8 c). Additionally or alternatively, the internal storage chamber 4 or the contents of the cartridge therein may be supplied by pressure and/or vacuum generated within the reservoir 1. Thus, in general, the flow control element 8 not only enables the release of the laundry product 5, but also drives the release of the laundry product such that it is discharged under pressure from the respective internal storage chamber 4. This may be achieved by a pump disposed within the reservoir, or by a pressure line or fluid supply passage through the reservoir 1 which is fluidly connected to a pump or other pressure source within the washing machine, for example by a connector 10. In another arrangement, the pressure line or fluid supply passage may be connected to a water supply in the washing machine to provide kinetic energy to expel laundry product from the internal storage chamber 4.

The reservoir 1 may have a pre-mixing chamber to enable pre-mixing of a plurality of laundry products prior to dispensing from the reservoir through the connector 10.

The reservoir 1 and its

internal storage chambers

4a, 4b, 4c, flow control means 8a, 8b, 8c and

flow channels

9a, 9b, 9c may be configured for dispensing laundry products in any suitable form, including fluid, e.g. liquid, gas, vapour or gel/suspension forms, and flowable solid forms, e.g. powders, beads, capsules, and mixtures thereof.

The reservoir configuration described above may provide a "smart" reservoir or "plug and play" reservoir that may be connected to any suitable washing machine and provide automatic dosing functionality and intelligent replenishment assistance to the user when the reservoir laundry product is depleted or near depletion.

Other embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A reservoir connectable to a washing machine, wherein the reservoir comprises an internal storage chamber in combination with one or more laundry products, said reservoir further comprising:

(a) a sensor for sensing one or more properties associated with the internal storage chamber and/or contents stored therein;

(c) a connector configured for coupling the reservoir with the washing machine, through which the reservoir can be fluidly and controllably connected to the washing machine, wherein

The data communicator is configured for wireless communication with a remote device external to the laundry machine, such that the sensed data can be displayed on the remote device.

2. The reservoir of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to sense one or more of:

(i) a fill level of laundry product in the internal storage compartment;

(ii) the quality of the laundry product contents in the internal storage compartment;

(iii) a flow rate of laundry product contents out of the internal storage chamber;

(iv) the presence of laundry product contents within the internal storage chamber;

(v) the chemical composition or chemical nature of the laundry product in the reservoir;

(vi) physical properties of the laundry product in the reservoir.

3. A reservoir according to claim 1 or claim 2, configured to be user-detachable from an external port or surface of the laundry machine.

4. The reservoir of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the data communicator is configured to communicate directly with the remote device without data passing through a communication channel or control device within the washing machine.

5. A reservoir according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the data communicator is configured to interface with an application on a user smartphone or tablet.

6. A reservoir according to any preceding claim, wherein the data communicator is configured to receive an indication of release of laundry product from a remote device external to the laundry machine.

7. A connector for connecting a laundry product reservoir to a washing machine, the laundry product reservoir comprising an internal storage chamber for storing one or more laundry products, the connector comprising:

(c) an interface configured to engage the connector with both the reservoir and the washing machine, through which the reservoir may be fluidly and controllably connected to the washing machine, wherein

The data communicator is configured for wireless communication with a remote device external to the laundry machine and enables display of the sensed data on the remote device.

8. A washing machine incorporating a reservoir according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or a connector according to claim 7.

9. A dosing system for delivering laundry product to a washing machine, the dosing system comprising:

a reservoir according to any one of claims 1 to 6;

a remote computing device connectable with the reservoir through a telecommunications channel and configured to monitor use of laundry product in or dispensed from the reservoir to an associated washing machine and/or control use or flow of laundry product dispensed from the reservoir to an associated washing machine.

10. The dosing system according to claim 9, wherein the remote computing device is configured to implement a replenishment function to supply a replacement cartridge or refill container for refilling the reservoir.

11. The dosing system according to any of claims 7 or 8, wherein the remote computing device is configured to implement a pay-as-you-go authorization function to enable the reservoir to perform a dispensing action to dispense a specified amount or dose of laundry product from the reservoir into a connected laundry machine.

12. A method of dispensing laundry product into a washing machine comprising the steps of:

connecting a reservoir to a washing machine by a connector, wherein the reservoir comprises an internal storage chamber for storing one or more laundry products, and the connector couples the reservoir with the washing machine to enable fluidic and controllable connection of the reservoir with the washing machine;

sensed data relating to one or more sensed properties is wirelessly transmitted to a remote device and engaged with the remote device to display the sensed data on the remote device.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein sensing one or more properties comprises sensing one or more of:

(i) a fill level of laundry product in the internal storage compartment;

(vi) physical properties of the laundry product in the reservoir.

14. The method of any of claims 12-13, further comprising configuring the reservoir to be user-detachable from an external port or surface of the laundry machine to refill the reservoir.

15. The method of any of claims 12-14, wherein the step of communicating with a remote device includes interfacing with a user personal computing device to enable display of the sensed data thereon.

16. The method of any of claims 12-15, further comprising displaying a graphical user interface on a personal computing device of a user indicating a status of the reservoir.

17. A reservoir and/or connector and/or dosing system and/or method as herein described with reference to the accompanying description and/or drawings.